Made in Virginia 2012: Release Reels, Reedville

Release Reels

Release Reels

Since 1607, fishing has been an important part of life for Virginians—first for survival, then for commerce and pleasure. So it makes perfect sense that Wes Seigler, founder and president of Release Reels, along with his partner Kenneth Nance, would set up their fishing reel manufacturing plant near the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Reedville.

Seigler believes that by crafting his reels in the United States he can personally assure their quality and precision, which exceed the standards of foreign manufacturers. He is so confident in his product that he offers a lifetime guarantee: “We pride ourselves in providing a lifetime of service and keeping our customers on the water fishing,” he says.

Seigler and Nance designed the handles of their reels to fit better, thereby converting the torque or strain from the hand to the reel. Their reels also include a larger thrust bearing to better handle the strain of the drag. Their patents have been proven on the water, not just in a laboratory. “We have the lightest, most powerful and most capacity of any reel in its class,” says Seigler. From $249 to $549.